Have you ever struggled to sleep, feeling like your brain just won’t shut off? Does the thought of speaking in front of a crowd fill you with panic? Anxiety and insomnia can be debilitating experiences, making everyday life feel like an uphill battle. In the quest for relief, many turn to short-acting benzodiazepines, or benzos for short. If you’re curious about these pills and their reputation, the following information will prove useful. To learn more about benzo addiction treatment in Kentucky, call us at 855.590.9944.
What Are Benzos?
Benzodiazepines are a type of psychotropic drug, which means they affect the mind. They’re known to interact with a neurotransmitter called GABA, slowing down the excitability of neurons in the central nervous system. The result is a calming effect, which can be a godsend for those suffering from anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or insomnia.
Here’s a list of types of benzos you might have heard about:
- Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Klonopin (Clonazepam)
- Restoril (Temazepam)
The duration of action is what differentiates them; while some benzos offer a quick fix, others stay in your system for longer, providing a more sustained relief from symptoms.
What Is a Short-Acting Benzo?
When we talk about “short-acting” benzos, we’re looking at those that have a rapid onset of action in the body, but which are also rapidly metabolized, meaning they clear the body quickly. These fast-acting drugs can produce calming effects within 30 to 60 minutes, but those effects don’t typically last as long as with their longer-acting counterparts. This characteristic can make them more addictive and potentially more dangerous in terms of overdose.
The short-acting nature means they can help with panic attacks and periods of acute stress, but there’s a tradeoff—a sometimes intense rebound anxiety when they wear off. This cycle of immediate relief followed by heightened anxiety and the desire for more relief can lead down a path to dependency and addiction.
Signs of Benzo Addiction
Addiction can creep up on you, sometimes starting with the intention to medicate a legitimate medical condition, until one day you realize you can’t remember the last time you felt “normal” without the drug.
Some signs of benzo addiction include:
- Increased tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken
- Using the drug for nonmedical reasons
- Spending an excessive amount of time acquiring, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug
- Not being able to stop or even cut down on the use of the drug
- Continuation of drug use despite known consequences, such as impaired driving or relationship problems
Benefits of Benzo Addiction Treatment
Thankfully, recovery is possible. The central element of benzo addiction treatment is often a process called detox, during which the drug is safely removed from the body. With shorter-acting benzos, the process may be intense but quicker, generally peaking within the first week and improving significantly after two weeks.
Following detox, therapy and behavioral interventions can help address the psychological aspects of addiction, providing coping mechanisms and support to reduce the risk of relapse.
Get Help Today From Roaring Brook Recovery
Are you struggling with benzo addiction or know someone who is? If so, seeking help is the most important step you can take. Roaring Brook Recovery is a leading rehabilitative center. We offer comprehensive programs to address not just the addiction, but also the underlying mental health issues.
Remember, addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. With the right support, recovery is not just possible—it’s achievable. Call Roaring Brook today at 855.590.9944 or use our online contact form and take the first step toward a life free of addiction.